New Media and its effects on the influence of the Mass media

Having discussed the various Media Communication theories in the past week’s lectures, i feel that Moderate effect models best describes the media environment in Singapore. These models are marked by how the ability of the media to influence its audiences remains and media selectivity does not equate no effects.

 

Instead of listing evidences as to how the moderate effect models best describes the media environment, i would like to use censorship to illustrate this.

As we all would know, censorship is stringent in singapore’s media environment. The Press freedom index also shows that Singapore is near the bottom of the index where seven out of every eight countries in the world have more press freedom than we do. The need for the government to set strict censorship guidelines in the country shows us how they view the mass media as a tool to be used with caution. The need for stringent censorship only points to the fact that the role of the mass media in shaping values and world views is rather extensive locally, and that the mass media is rather influential in shaping these views and values.

 

one of the questions we were left to think about is  “Has the Internet with its distinctive model of “citizen journalism” affected the influence of the mass media?”

 

In my opinion, “citizen journalism” has definitely affected the influence of the mass media. The only question is, “to what extent?”

 

The internet as a form of new media is indeed much more potent than traditional media. For one, the internet is an interactive medium as compared to traditional media where receivers are regarded as a passive audience. This outstanding difference is perhaps the reason as to why and how the internet has definitely affected the influence of mass media.

 

In the past where receivers are regarded as passive audience, it is easier to censor and control the message being transmitted through the mass media. The “gatekeepers” of the mass media set the media agenda and communicate to its audience what they deem is important and what they deem are threats and unimportant. However, it is much more challenging to impose censorship and control over the internet now, despite the fact that it is still not impossible to do so. The internet is a volatile medium that offers a variety of platforms for discussion and for creating news. People now have better access to many sources and are not subjected to selected media sources in the past. Also, anybody is able to be their own journalist and create their own news, though the credibility of these information could be questionable. Being exposed to a plethora of varied ideas and opinions constantly through the internet through modes like citizen journalism threatens the monopoly of influence of the mass media especially in countries that have very little press freedom. Censorship as i’ve mentioned above is still not impossible though much more challenging as the internet and its uses are growing exponentially. The internet has affected the influence of the mass media, its extent depends on the media environment of the country.

Beyonce banned in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This entry is based on an article “PAS urges Beyonce Ban” in The Straits Times, dated 20th September 2009.

 

 

This article is about how Malaysia’s conservative Islamic party, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), campaigning against several foreign artiste and performers which includes Beyonce Knowles to not stage their concert at Malaysia. This is due to fundamental cultural and religious differences as PAS Youth Chief remarked that ,’This performance is not suitable for Muslims as her skimpy attire and behaviour onstage are immoral and lead to unclean behaviour.’ 

 

According to Edward T. Hall, “Culture dictates where to draw the line separating one thing from another; the line is arbitrary until it is learnt and internalised and become reality” In this case, the conservative culture in Malaysia dictates that Beyonce’s attire and behaviour when staging her concerts are deemed inappropriate and unacceptable, and such thinking is internalised in many in the country.

This incident highlights to us a important dimension of cultural differences in social behaviour through the relative emphasis of collectivism versus individualism. While Beyonce represents an individualist, she is being rejected by the PAS in Malaysia, as there are vast differences between the value and characterics of both. Beyonce could value the freedom of expression and social recognition as well as rewards for her outstanding performance in her field. on the other hand, the PAS opposes to it due how it contradicts characteristices such as modesty, and moderation with which they value.

 

Also, this incident represents attitudinal barriers to intercultural communication through prejudice. PAS has a negative interpretation of what Beyonce would have thought to be the fruit of her labour and her expression of style on stage and tries to discount her, by threatening to protest to prevent her from staging a concert. This hinders acceptance that is needed for effective communication to take place.

Cultural differences are unavoidable, however, it should not hinder intercultural communication though often we are prejudiced against people who are different from us. Pertaining to this incident, it is true that Beyonce may appear too liberal for Muslims who value modesty very much. However, a refusal to let her stage her concert in the country is in my opinion, a little extreme. The decision to stage a concert in Malaysia as part of her “I am…” world tour is surely a response to meet many avid fans in the country who has supported her music. Only when there is a large fan base that would indicate a demand, should then led to her manager’s decision to stage a concert there. Disallowing her to have a concert in the country deprives her fans who would not have thought that she is too liberal a chance to watch her live. Perhaps this is a feature of a collectivist culture, where social norms and duty are defined by the group, rather than for self pleasure. Yet i feel that the citizens should be given their own rights to make their decisions on where to draw the line as to what is acceptable, rather than being dictated by others. Afterall, staging a concert in the country will only “affect” those who chose to watch her live.

Groupthink

Groupthink is “a mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when members’ strivings for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action.”
 

one popular example of groupthink would be the launching of the space shuttle “Challenger”. The following video illustrates the symptoms of groupthink with the scenario that happened before the launching of the space shuttle.

 

It is evident that groupthink is potentially destructive to any group that has it. It is also rather mind boggling as to why these intellects could make the mistakes they have already known would have happened if they stuck to their decisions, and the dire consequences if it were to happen. i find Groupthink very interesting in this aspect as it affects even large organisations and professionals, and has proven to be true in many historical tragedies such as the attack at the Pearl Harbour which could have been prevented, as well as the Vietnam War.

 

Perhaps the elements in Group Decision-making has some part to play in Groupthink as well. In groups, complex decisions are made. The full support of the group is needed. In addition, the solution is risky and group members may disagree without discussion.

 

have you ever found yourself going ahead with a group decision you are not even sure of but went ahead with it anyway? It is probably because more people are sharing the burden, the risks and the consequences, rather than just yourself. One is usually more careful with making decisions as an individual than in a group.

 

Also group pressures can sometimes prove to be overwhelming, where your vital objection towards a decision that has been made and agreed upon by the majority is being shoved aside to accomodate them and to be accepted, to acquire idiosyncrasy credit by conforming.

 

It is vital for one or a few individuals to assume this role of a “devil’s advocate” to overcome groupthink, even as facing or challenging the majority can be a much difficult and tedious task than to agree out of convenience and be accepted by the group by thinking alike. Group members should also be open to alternative opinions in order for it to work.

 

A more recent example of groupthink would be the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. According to U.S. President George W. Bush and U.K. former PM Tony Blair, the objectives of the invasion were “to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), to end Saddam Hussein’s support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people.”

However, no such WMD were found and in Jan 2005, it is concluded that Iraq has ended its WMD programs in 1991, and had no WM at the time of invasion. The invasion of Iraq, though supported by the British forces, was opposed by countries like France and Germany, in arguing that there was no true evidence of WMD and the invasion would be unjustified with this reason alone.

The invasion of Iraq and its consequences, in my opinion, contradicts the its objectives. The people of war-torn Iraq are not freed, rather, they have been seriously implicated by the war as many lives are lost and disrupted, while it is still debatable whether the objectives of the invasion are valid or being met.

Cyber Dating

During the past week’s communication lecture, i found one question rather thought provoking. How real are cyber relationships?

 

Cyberdating is becoming increasingly popular now. This is also an indication of how communication and technology has evolved and changed the way we view our communication with others. Communication through the internet frees people of spatial and time constraints, and allows visual anonymity. This blog entry discusses cyberdating as a possible form of interpersonal communication and relationship.

 

Cyberdating is in many ways dissimilar to conventional dating. Physical appearance as the biggest impact in the early stages of a relationship is irrelevant in cyberdating due to visual anoymity. Physical proximity in conventional dating is non existent in cyberdating. Nonverbal communication as a important aspect of communication is also absent in cyberspace.

 

Indeed, these are rather significant differences and might affect the quality of our communication, how is it then, that cyberdating is possible and proven successful in many cases?

 

The very answer lies in the characteristics that makes it different from conventional communication channels. Having visual anonymity frees us from emotional constraints. Disinhibition often occur in cyberspace, where one may feel free to share and be more willing to self-disclose, due to the anonymity the cyberspace gives. Moreover, self-disclosure involves sharing of information about yourself voluntarily that the other is unlikely to know or discover from other sources, and increases intimacy in maintaining a relationship. This thus, is an advantage cyberspace provides in building a relationship online as self-disclosure in a gradual and appropriate manner is with a particular ease provided by anonymity.

 

Even though there is the absence of physical appearance which is often important in initial stages of relational formation and development, it allows communicators online the benefit of the doubt. Visual anonymity erases prejudices in physical appearances that often affect our communication. It supports the saying that “beauty is skin deep”, communicators online can only possibly be judged by their intellectual ability and their capability to communicate effectively.

 

Physical proximity, though largely irrelevant in communicating online, is compensated by the ability to be freed from geographic distances as one is able to be in a long distance relationship with somebody from the other end of the world. Geographic or physical proximity can also be replaced by intersection frequency (the frequency in which you meet someone online).

 

However, one should recognize the possible dangers that the anonymous nature of the internet provides. To some, seeing is believing. The person you pour your heart to might be deceptive in their information they provide and hurt you. One has to be careful about this risk as it is a major factor in which cyber bullying and crime take place.

 

Relationships involves emotions and requires commitment in order to work. In the aspect of cyberdating being a possible form of interpersonal communication, there are indeed certain limitations by the very nature of the internet. However, it is complimented by other positive aspects in which the internet offers, as mentioned above. Hence, it depends on individual preferences in which one chooses to communicate with their significant other that matters in interpersonal communication.

 

Cyberdating can be as real as you want it to be.

VISA ‘TRAVEL HAPPY’ COMMERCIAL

The Visa “travel happy” commercial starring Matt Harding, is one of my favourite commercials of all time. In this commercial, Matt celebrates Visa as the world currency as he travels around the world, carefree and happy to be “without the worry of currency exchange”.

 

From its distinctive background music, to the different people from different cultures, to Matt Harding “dancing badly”, it sure communicate several objectives the advertisement is created to achieve. One distinctive feature they have employed in the advertisement is that of nonverbal communication.

 

It is evident how nonverbal communication substitutes verbal communication in this advertisement, as there is an obvious lack of dialogue in it. Nonverbal communication can be defined as any instance in which a stimulus other than words creates meaning in either a sender’s or a receiver’s mind. In this instance, as dancing often connotes a form of creative self-expression, Matt Harding dances to communicate a happy and carefree attitude. Also, as he dances at various landmarks of countries with different people of different cultures, he communicates how convenient it is to travel around the world with visa as it is accepted widely as an alternative mode of payment. We can also see how physical appearance serves as a nonverbal code. Physical appearance such as how the various people featured in the advertisement dress, serve as a cultural display. The various landmarks in which the advertisement is filmed at can communicate nonverbally to audience the locations as well. The advertisement uses mutiple codes such as dancing, physical appearance and landmarks to enhance its message. Nonverbal communication is at times universal, the nonverbal cues in the advertisement can also be communicated to people who do not speak the same verbal language. This advertisement debuted in Hong Kong and Korea and is broadcasted in eight countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region, thus, the nature of this advertisement is definitely advantageous for a widespread audience even of people whose verbal language we do not know.

 

In addition, there is written language at the bottom of the clips to enhance the message. e.g. in Japan without a Yen. We can see how nonverbal codes repeat and complement the writting message, just like how nonverbal codes do with verbal messages.

 

I feel that this is a pretty effective advertisement. It sends a clear and congruent message that visa being the world currency, makes travel happy without the worry of currency exchange. Also, the manner in which Matt dances is peculiar and creates a lasting impression in its audience which in turn sells the idea better. The grandeur and beauty of the natural images in the backdrop captivates the audience as well.

 

However, i would like to point to the fact that the written language in the advertisement is vital in sending the right message across as well. Without the written words, one would not be sure if the advertisement is talking about the ease of currency exchange brought about by Visa. This leads us to how the various types of communication are inter-related and are not isolated. Also, effective communication is often achieved or enhanced through the use of two or more forms of communication simultaneously.

Impress, Inspire and Intoxicate

This entry is written based on an article in The Straits Times review and forum section-”All that Twitter is not good English” dated 31st Aug 2009.

 

This article comments on the Speak Good English Movement’s approach this year, as they target youths with online platforms such as blogs and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. The author suggests that youths online can be the best and worst audience to target in this campaign. They are the best because they “make up a high if not the highest proportion of these internet communities” in which SGEM has employed in this year’s campaign. They are the worst however, because “many of them have little or no motivation to improve their English.”

 

I agree with the author on her views. It is clear how technology and communication has made vast advancements over the years and has changed how we perceive our communication with others. Rather than being limited by face-to-face communication, letters or phone calls, communication is easily achieved with the internet now. Today, many people especially youths find the internet indispensable in their communication with others. However, it has its implications on the type of language used in communicating online, where people “have not only put Singlish online, but have widened its divergence from proper english in spelling out its unique expressions in all their colourful finery.”  The SGEM has its obvious reason in targeting youths with the online platforms, however, i feel that it also has to be careful in its approach as the language used in these platforms “hardly engenders good language habits they(youths) need to develop for other situations online or off”. Also, i feel that writing good English online does not necessarily equate speaking good English. Thus, it may not be very effective to spread the message of speaking grammatically correct English through online platforms. As i would think practice conversing in good English rather than being educated online on how to speak good English, would be a better approach.

 

On a side note, this year’s Speak Good English Movement’s theme is on how to “Impress, Inspire and Intoxicate” others by expressing oneself in good English, which reminds me of how language reflects its users, and how SGEM appeals to its target audience through introducing it as a way to improve one’s image. This is rather effective as most people would love to be thought well of. Also, we should not neglect the fact that verbal communication is still very much an important aspect in communication, despite how communication through the internet is made easily available now. It is something in which we can not do without, and vital as our direct means of communication in our everyday life. Thus, the clarity in our expression, achieved through speaking grammatically correct English that is universally understood, is important to communicate effectively and minimize the chances of miscommunication.

THE COVE

The Cove is a thrilling documentary on the annual killing of over 2,5oo dolphins in a national park at Taiji, Wakayama in Japan. It is a film by a group of brave activists equiped with state-of-the-art equipments and expertise, risking their lives to expose the shocking abuse of dolphins as well as a serious threat posed to human health. The film is made in hope to raise awareness in the global sphere, to garner international support needed to stop this cruel practice and tradition in Japan and all other parts of the world.

I feel that the movie is highly effective as a persuasive piece of work. It employs the means of persuasion to achieve its objectives as a documentary. Logos, the appeal to reason why there is an urgent need to stop these activities, is seen throughout the film. This is achieved through the portrayal of how thousands of dolphins are killed without being justified and how this practice and tradition is nothing but harmful to the dolphins and even, humans. The killing scenes of these dolphins is a heart wrenching experience, as one watches the sea turn red with blood, appealing to the viewers’ emotion, pathos. Finally, the persuasive appeal of one’s character, ethos, is presented to the viewers through the credibility of the crew consisting of Louie Psihoyos (leader of the Ocean Preservation Society and a celebrated photographer for National Geographic), Richard O’Barry (former famous dolphin trainer and an advocate for the dolphins), and a team of professionals with expertise such as diving and operating high-tech equipments.

The movie, in communicating its objectives to its audience, can be considered as an exemplar of the interactive model of communication. It allows the element of feedback from its audience as they appeal to inspire its audience to do their part also in their individual efforts to support their cause. Evidences of the result of positive feedback from viewers can be seen in an article The Cove’ Puts Pressure on Taiji Fishermen, Dolphins To Be Released posted on the website of the Oceanic Preservation Society on 10th september 2009.

The concept of perception and human communication can also be applied to the existing controversy of hunting of whales and dolphins in Japan. Perception is the process by which we make sense of the world around us. While western activists and film makers of The Cove perceive that the whaling practices in Japan is inhumane and oppose to it, the fishermen in Japan are indignant and defend that the hunting of dolphins and whales has always been a tradition and culture. The challenge posed by this controversy is for both the fishermen in Japan and western activist to recognize the abundance of difference that exists in their perceptions and communicate to arrive at a consensus regarding the issue. Both animal rights and the preservation of culture and tradition have their own importance. I feel that this is where communication is vital in every attempt to try and resolve this age old controversy.